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Johnson to serve as DH in season opener

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Welcome home, Rays 0:33

Rays baseball is back for the 2013 season at Tropicana Field, so Welcome Home to the Rays for April

By Bill Chastain
/
MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- Newcomer Kelly Johnson, who will likely play a lot of second base and some left field this season, got the news during Monday's workout that he will be the Rays' designated hitter on Tuesday against the Orioles.

"I know some guys who don't want to [be the DH], but I haven't done it enough to get to that point," Johnson said. "I'm all right with it."

Johnson was used as a DH four times in 2012 and seven times overall in his career. He said he is comfortable with the role.

"I don't think I would be the first one to volunteer to do it on a regular basis," Johnson said. " ... Like anyone, I just want to be in the lineup."

Johnson was asked if being the DH served him up an introduction to manager Joe Maddon's lineups. The skipper has a penchant for switching things up for his players on a consistent basis.

"It is my introduction to Joe Maddon," said Johnson, allowing a chuckle. "But like I said, being in the lineup is where I want to be. I'll be playing a lot more games in the field than I will DHing this year. That's how it laid out, Luke [Scott] getting hurt obviously."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.